James was BVA President in 2020-21. His career to date has seen him working in and managing a large mixed practice in the Midlands where he was responsible for delivering high quality farm services to a variety of dairy, beef and sheep units over the Peak District area. More recently, his interest in TB control in cattle has seen him representing BVA on policy in this area, working at farm, vet practice and government level to attempt to break down the impact of the disease. James has been a volunteer on Vetlife Helpline for around 7 years. Latterly, he has also represented Vetlife Helpline as a trustee, and became Vetlife president in 2023. James is a farm animal lecturer at Nottingham Vet School, and a NED for the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England. He is also the Veterinary director of Assured Farm Standards (Red Tractor) as well as a member of the Independent Scientific Group for RUMA.